Shivaji’s Great Escape from Aurangzeb’s Captivity Using Sweet Baskets – A Masterstroke in Strategy

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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's narrow escape from Aurangzeb's imprisonment in Agra is among the most electrifying and cunning moves in Indian history. The manner in which he deceived the Mughal emperor's guards with nothing but his strategic genius and cunning is a legend in itself. This blog delves into the episode in painstaking detail, from historical dates to important characters and the clever escape strategy.

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Background: Why Was Shivaji in Agra?

In 1665, following the Treaty of Purandar, Shivaji Maharaj was compelled to give away 23 forts and huge areas of land to the Mughals. He also had to send his son, Sambhaji, and a military contingent to serve under the Mughal general, Mirza Raja Jai Singh I. As part of this uncomfortable peace, Jai Singh persuaded Shivaji to go to the Mughal court at Agra to meet Emperor Aurangzeb, who offered him a high office in the Mughal government.

Having faith in the diplomatic route, Shivaji and Sambhaji arrived at Agra on May 12, 1666. Instead of being respected, however, he was consciously insulted in the royal court.

Aurangzeb's Insult

Shivaji was required to stand behind Maharaja Jaswant Singh, a junior noble, rather than being accorded the respect due to an independent ruler.

Furious at the insult, Shivaji protested and walked out of the court.

This act of rebellion infuriated Aurangzeb, who commanded that Shivaji be put under house arrest in Jai Singh's palace, under heavy guard by Mughal soldiers.

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The Impossible Situation – Shivaji Under Heavy Guard

Shivaji was not thrown into a dungeon but was put under close observation. His home was under constant patrol, and every step was watched. He was permitted visitors but was under observation at all times.

A number of Mughal officials, such as Faulad Khan, were instructed to make sure Shivaji did not escape. His son Sambhaji, who was only 9 years old at the time, was also placed under house arrest.

Why Was Escape So Difficult?

1. Constant Surveillance – Shivaji was guarded 24/7, both within and outside his home.


2. Huge Mughal Presence in Agra – Even if he managed to escape, he would have to travel through a whole city packed with Mughal troops.

3. Aurangzeb's Instructions – He had ordered sternly that Shivaji should not be allowed to escape at any cost.

Now, most individuals would have given up hope. But Shivaji was no ordinary commander—he was a master strategist and deceiver.

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The Escape Plan: How Shivaji Outsmarted the Mughals

Shivaji realized he could not fight his way out. He needed to deceive his captors. So, he planned a multi-step plan over weeks.

Step 1: Pretending to be Ill

Shivaji feigned being very sick. He did not eat normally and informed the Mughal officers that he had a stomach problem.

He remained in bed for days, appearing weak and thin.

At times, he consumed light food but never heavy meals, thus making his sickness appear real.

The Mughal officials, observing his state, started to ease off their strictness.

Step 2: Offering Sweet Baskets

As a devout Hindu, Shivaji asked if he could offer sweets and offerings to Brahmins and temples as part of a religious ceremony.

Stalwart bamboo baskets full of sweets such as pedhas and laddoos were dispatched daily.

These baskets were escorted by porters who came and went from his mansion on a regular basis.

The guards, witnessing this daily, ceased checking the baskets thoroughly with time.

Step 3: The Great Escape – August 17, 1666

On the 17th of August, 1666, Shivaji felt that the moment had arrived.

He and Sambhaji concealed themselves within two huge sweet baskets, covered with cloth.

His loyal servants, in disguise as porters, transported the baskets via the main gate.

As this was a daily routine, the guards did not inspect the baskets thoroughly.

Outside, the porters in disguise walked a distance before opening the baskets and releasing Shivaji and Sambhaji.

Step 4: Disguises and Escape Route

Shivaji had made arrangements for disguises as Hindu sadhus (monks).

He and Sambhaji dressed up as plain saints and departed Agra in disguise as travelers.

Taking different routes, they evaded Mughal patrols and traveled via Mathura, Allahabad, and Bundelkhand.

He changed disguises multiple times to avoid suspicion.


After a long and challenging journey, Shivaji reached Maharashtra safely and reunited with his forces.


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The Aftermath: Aurangzeb’s Humiliation

When Aurangzeb learned of Shivaji’s escape, he was furious.

He punished several Mughal officers who had been in charge of guarding Shivaji.

The failure to hold Shivaji was a huge embarrassment for the Mughals.

This escape boosted Shivaji’s reputation as a brilliant strategist.


Shivaji went on to continue his Mughal campaigns and expand the Maratha Empire, demonstrating that he was a force that Aurangzeb could never contain.

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Conclusion: A Masterclass in Strategy

Shivaji Maharaj's escape from Agra is a demonstration of his intelligence, strategic mind, and leadership. He not only outsmarted Aurangzeb but also inspired generations with his courage and ingenuity.

This tale is still one of India's greatest escapes and a perfect illustration of the power of brains over brawn.

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Do you have an opinion about Shivaji's mythic escape? Share your views in the comments below! If you enjoyed reading this article, don't forget to share it with fellow history buffs.

Recommended Articles:

The Life and Legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

How the Marathas Resisted the Mughal Empire

The Rise of the Maratha Navy Under Shivaji


Stay tuned for more fascinating historical stories!


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